Reviews tagging 'Police brutality'

The Black Queen by Jumata Emill

10 reviews

ashleythebard's review against another edition

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dark informative mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I wish Duchess would have been the central character and not Tinsley. I liked having both views but wish the person who got the more chapters was switched 

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almirareads's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The Black Queen has PLOT TWISTS GALORE, which I particularly loved. What I don’t think I loved too much is how they tried to make the end this “happily ever after” scenario where Tinsley doesn’t take super long to unlearn all of the racism that comes from her whiteness mixed with her class…which is A LOT. I also disliked how you can kinda tell, especially when looking at how Duchess speaks, that there wasn’t enough research done on lesbian slang, and Jumata opts instead to use queer men slang, which, there is definitely a difference. Also we don’t hear much from Nova’s mom. That’s probably by design, but damn, I’d have loved to hear a bit more from her. 

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jillkaarlela's review

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adventurous challenging emotional informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This was “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas meets “Ace of Spades” by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé! I loved this murder mystery, because not only was the mystery really complex, unexpected and nuanced, but the overarching themes of systemic racism opinions towards the police were really well explored. I thought it was a really interesting and smart choice to have this in a dual POV with the friend of the main girl who died as well as a rich white girl who seems to be a “villain” at the beginning, and doesn’t understand how racist and privileged she is. It provided and interest contrast, as we get to see Tinsley’s character growth as she is doing the work and research needed to better herself (although we do hate her quite a lot at times). I also liked the talk about the relationship with the police, especially since the main character (Duchess’s) black father is also a police officer. This is a story full of secrets, lies, deception, twists and turns, important political issues, and tons of nuance. 

Another fun fact about the author, Jumata Emill is that he used to be a crime reporter! I think this really helped his story, and made him able to write such a great mystery.  

Age rating: 14+ (language)

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clare072's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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anna_wa's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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psistillreadyou's review

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challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0


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jillianelis_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I had been waiting for this book for a LONG time, so I was thrilled that I got an advance copy and didn’t have to wait on my library’s hold  list! 

The Black Queen absolutely lived up to my expectations. While I kind of figured out the killer really early on, the story still had me on the edge of my seat! Nova slightly reminded me of Laura Palmer from Twin Peaks (murdered homecoming Queen who was full of secrets), and I wish we got to see more of her in life before she died. I would absolutely read a book about Nova’s life because I wanted to know more about her, her life in Virginia, how she became friends with Duchess, etc. All of the characters felt very real and fleshed out as well, and the handling of difficult topics was both sensitive and honest at every turn. I can’t wait to read whatever Jumata Emill writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC. 

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shereadytoread's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious fast-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I think this book is an example of excellent writing and plot, but it wasn't my favorite. Our title "Black Queen" is not who this book is really about, but more of a who-dun-it tag team of a friend of the deceased and their worst enemy.

I loved the mystery elements. I thought the plot had great pacing, was well-layered, and the MCs each have complex full lives. I think if you are interested in this book it is definitely worth your time to read.

However, where this book fell flat for me is the centering of a wealthy white girl in the story of the death of a black girl. I understand why the two MCs work together, but it feels like the "plot twists" and the active choices are all related to the white MC rather than both characters having a balanced presence. That is not to say that I didn't like the book, but it wasn't the story I was looking for.

Disclaimer: I received a gifted finished copy. 

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imstephtacular's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.25


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caseythereader's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Thanks to Books Forward PR for the free advance copy of this book.

 - THE BLACK QUEEN is a YA thriller that digs in deep to issues of race and class. I think fans of Tiffany D. Jackson will want to check this one out.
- At first I was unsure of the dual POV, switching back and forth between Duchess and Tinsley, because it felt so strange to get the perspective of the white person who was doing the harm. However, the more I think about it, the more important I think that might be to include in a YA novel, to allow kids to either see themselves in Tinsley and learn from it or see their classmates and have their feelings validated.
- Not only does THE BLACK QUEEN have real, messy characters, but it has twist after twist. You won't be able to put it down. 

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